Processing keyword: Noun + ともあろう + Noun (tomoarou)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun + ともあろう + Noun (tomoarou)

Noun + ともあろう + Noun （～ともあろう～）

1. Introduction

In Japanese, certain expressions emphasize expectations based on someone's status, role, or position. The grammar point Noun + ともあろう + Noun is one such expression used to highlight surprise, criticism, or disappointment when someone acts in a way that is unbecoming of their esteemed position.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrase Noun + ともあろう + Noun conveys the meaning:

• "For someone of the stature of..."
• "Considering you are..."
• "As a respected/professional..." It emphasizes that someone, who is expected to know better due to their position or role, has acted in a way that is surprising or inappropriate.

Structure

The structure of Noun + ともあろう + Noun is as follows:

【Noun1】 + ともあろう + 【Noun2】

• Noun1: Refers to the person or group in question.
• Noun2: Often repeats Noun1 or is a person associated with that role.

Formation Diagram

Below is a visual representation of the structure:

Explanation Breakdown

• ともあろう: A combination of とも (even) and あろう (the volitional form of ある - "to be"). Together, it implies "even someone who is..."
• This expression is used to criticize or express disbelief that someone of such a position would act in a certain (usually negative) way.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Noun + たる者（もの）: Also means "as a person of..." and is used to express expectations of someone's behavior based on their status.
  • Example: 社会人たる者、時間を守るべきだ。
    "As a working adult, you should be punctual."

Differences

• ともあろう often conveys surprise or disappointment when expectations are not met.
• たる者 is more about stating expectations or standards without necessarily expressing surprise or criticism.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Context

Japanese:
大学教授ともあろう方が、基本的なミスをするなんて信じられません。 Romaji:
Daigaku kyōju tomoarou kata ga, kihonteki na misu o suru nante shinjiraremasen. Translation:
"I can't believe that someone who is a university professor would make such a basic mistake."

Example 2: Informal Context

Japanese:
君ともあろう人が、こんな簡単な問題を解けないの？ Romaji:
Kimi tomoarou hito ga, konna kantan na mondai o tokenai no? Translation:
"Someone like you can't solve such an easy problem?"

Example 3: Written Context (Article)

Japanese:
国のリーダーともあろう人物が、そのような発言をするのは問題だ。 Romaji:
Kuni no rīdā tomoarou jinbutsu ga, sono yō na hatsugen o suru no wa mondai da. Translation:
"It's problematic that a person who is a national leader would make such remarks."

Example 4: Spoken Context

Japanese:
医者ともあろう者が、健康に無頓着でいいのか。 Romaji:
Isha tomoarou mono ga, kenkō ni mutonchaku de ii no ka. Translation:
"Is it acceptable for someone who is a doctor to be indifferent about health?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese society, roles and social positions come with expected behaviors and responsibilities. Using ともあろう highlights when someone fails to meet these expectations, emphasizing the collective importance placed on duty and appropriate conduct.

Levels of Politeness

• The expression often conveys a critical tone.
• It can be softened or made more formal by using honorifics (e.g., 方 for "person").

Idiomatic Expressions

While ともあろう itself is a fixed expression, it's often used in contexts where societal roles are significant, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese culture.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Misplacing ともあろう in the sentence.
  • Incorrect: 彼がともあろう先生、遅刻した。
  • Correct: 先生ともあろう彼が、遅刻した。
• Mistake: Using it with inappropriate nouns (it should be used with nouns denoting roles or statuses deserving respect).
  • Incorrect: 猫ともあろう動物が泳げるとは。
  • Correct: （Not appropriate, as cats aren't associated with expected behaviors based on status.）

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ともあろう is used to express surprise about someone who "ought to be" (あろう) a model example "even" (とも) in their role.
• Tip: Think of roles with high expectations (teacher, doctor, leader) when crafting sentences.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Noun + ともあろう + Noun is used to express surprise or criticism toward someone who fails to act according to the expectations of their role or status.
• It emphasizes that such behavior is unexpected from someone of that stature.
• Commonly used with nouns representing respected positions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of ともあろう in a sentence?
2. How does ともあろう differ from たる者?
3. Create a sentence using ともあろう with the noun "社長" (company president). Answers:
4. To express surprise or criticism that someone of a certain status is acting unexpectedly or inappropriately.
5. ともあろう expresses surprise or disappointment when expectations are not met, while たる者 states expectations or standards without necessarily expressing surprise.
6. Example sentence:
   Japanese: 社長ともあろう人が、そのような軽率な行動を取るとは。
   Translation: "I can't believe that someone who is the company president would act so rashly."

By understanding and practicing this grammar point, you'll be able to express nuanced sentiments regarding expectations and social roles in Japanese.